Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 61, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 October 1916 — PRICE OF ALL COAL SOARS [ARTICLE]

PRICE OF ALL COAL SOARS

Increased Demand in the Illinois Field Boosts Mine Price From $1.75 to $2.50. Chicago, Oct. 27.—Illinois coal prices jumped again yesterday and, according to the Black Diamond, no one can foretell the prices that will be asked today. The cause for the sudden flury Is said to be the increasing number of buyers coming to this state for coal. Screenings that sold a few days ago for $1.85 at the mines brought $2 Wednesday and $2.50 was paid Thursday. Hocking coal could not be bought in Chicago at any price. It was said there had been none in Chicago for three days. Columbus Is paying $4 a ton freely, It was said, and taking all being mined. Franklin county coal, which was selling a few days ago for $1.65 to $1.75 at the mines, was being held for $2. Range and small egg sold in spots at the mines yesterday for SB. One explanation for the scarcity of coal is the failure of the New England munition factories to make purchases during the summer.